Old-school, complete tight end whose calling card is his versatile blocking — he can set the edge in gap schemes, wall off front-side zone, and hold up on the perimeter, which is why BYU's coaching staff kept him on the field for every down. Ryan won't wow you with explosive athleticism or create separation against NFL-caliber coverage, but he's a trustworthy intermediate target with soft hands, good feel for sitting in zone windows, and sneaky downfield ability (13.8 YPR). The ceiling is a TE2/TE3 in a 12-personnel-heavy offense who earns snaps because he doesn't have to come off the field — the floor is a training camp casualty whose 4.72 speed simply doesn't translate against pro-level linebackers and safeties.
- Versatile, scheme-diverse blocker — coaches specifically praised front-side zone, gap-scheme, and perimeter blocking
- Soft hands and reliable catch radius — 45 receptions with minimal reported drops in 2025
- Feel for finding zone windows and providing a QB-friendly target underneath and over the middle
- Every-down usage at BYU demonstrates willingness and competence in all phases of the TE role
- Strong work ethic and leadership — multiple coaches cited his practice habits and team-first mentality
- Limited athletic profile — projected 4.72 40-time, was not invited to the NFL Combine or Senior Bowl, suggesting NFL evaluators see physical limitations
- Modest college production across four years at three schools — career totals of roughly 74 catches for 1,020 yards and 7 TDs across four seasons does not scream NFL-caliber receiving threat
- Route running described as needing improvement in fluidity since high school, and no evidence of significant development in that area
- Lack of elite separation ability or downfield speed — unlikely to stress NFL defenses vertically despite solid 13.8 YPR average
Similar profile to the journeyman TE — solid size, reliable blocker who can catch some balls in the intermediate game but doesn't threaten defenses as a receiver. Swaim carved out a long NFL career as a blocking TE2 who occasionally popped up as a short-area target.